The non-member swim team families are not swimming for free. We have always paid a higher team registration fee and the past 2 years we have also paid an additional surcharge on top of that which has gone directly to the club. We do not participate in any recreational swimming at the club unless we are paid invited guests. Our family will never join this swim club because we already pay HOA fees for our community pool. It would be silly to be members at two different pools. We joined the Lancers because our pool is too small to host a team.
Furthermore, the 3 home meets that are hosted by the Lancers do not take up three weekends as Mr. Buckley asserts. The club opens 2 hours later on those 3 Saturdays which is a total of 6 hours for the season. The pool often loses more hours than that for inclement weather closings. The bulk of the hours the team uses the pool is outside normal operating hours. We have been a Lancer family since 2002 and have no desire to swim for anyone else. Over the years we have encouraged friends to join the swim club who were not members of the swim team. It is heart-breaking to see the children of our community treated so poorly.

These are the same old lame excuses that have been made in many HOA communities across Prince William county, and as Cyndi states, they are full of half truths and even outright lies. The club board will find out soon enough that they've only shot themselves in the foot as they lose even more members.

To clarify, the document circulated by the club claims that the club is losing $24,000 a year on the swim team - not $2,400 as reported above. This $24,000 figure is based on the 60 non-member families times the approximately $400 annual pool membership fee, had these families decided to join. It is inaccurate to claim lost revenue on a theoretical scenario. For various reasons (belonging to other HOAs, affordability, back-yard pools) some of these families are not in a position to ever join the LRCSC.

Additionally, the swim team did pay a $3,500 fee to use the pool facilities this season. The fee paid was approximately 40% higher than the fee paid last season. Any claims that non-members are getting free use of the pool are untrue.

It's sad to see that a great activity is possibly being taken away from so many kids. Swimming teaches so many life skills both in and out of the pool. I really hope the Lancers can find a home for the 2013 season. As a former coach in the area, I always enjoyed swimming against the Lancers. They are a great team and their sportsmanship shines! I think this decision is a poor one.

Mr. Buckley's comments are typical. If I had a nickle for every time I heard from the select few on the board and at the pool that have been gunning to oust the team for several years that "they support the team", I'd be a millionaire. I have said this for years...you can keep repeating that, but your actions speak MUCH louder than your words. Trying to force non-members to join to boost your monetary intake has backfired. The club is about to lose an OVERWHELMING amount of families. After 8 years as members (even tho we are part of the LR association and have access to all the LR pools, we still paid the bucks to be at LRCSC) we had enough of the combative nature at the pool and did not join this year. If the board put as much energy into recruiting new members thr marketing as they do complaining about the swim team and how much they DON'T get from us, they wouldn't be in such dire straights financially. I honestly believe, in my humble opinion, that this current board and it's mentality is going to sink the swim club. Too bad. It had served our community well.

My family was a member of the swim club for 7 years and members of the swim team for 8 yrs. we opted not to join this year because we feel the club is being mismanaged and no one with true business experience can get on the board to lead it to being a club operating in the black. How many of the current Pool Board Members have any experience running or managing a business?? When the make up of the board changes and some true business people get on that board, and no they don't have to be swim team parents, just people who are out there in the business world and know how to run a business and make if profitable, the pool will then get my money for a membership again. Is this current board working for the good of the pool? I see a pool falling apart and membership dwindling due to a few people. It should be a hospitable place and currently it is not. The club doesn't do any advertising or recruiting. We have friends that live in that neighborhood and they have NEVER been approached about joining the Pool. From my membership with the pool there have been 5 or 6 families that joined the pool because we told them about it, funny those members aren't swim team members, just pool members. I would love to see the pool and the swim team come together and move forward with the goal of growth of the pool membership and the overhaul of the systems (ie pumps and so forth) But it starts with people leaving their own personal agendas at home, being honest, and transparent!

And as far as Mr. Nauth's "quorum", it was only the members of the BoD who oppose the swim team who voted. How convenient that Mr. Mazzoccoli wan't informed. There was also another board member who left ill that was surprised by the vote. This is how this board operates. There is no respect for the general membership - only a mission to get what a certain few want done done. And the blatant violations for the Rules of Order that govern this board are appalling.

Is there a way we can get this article into the OB Observer? If nothing else as an editorial?

I am a former swimmer and Head Coach of the Lake Ridge Lancers (14 years of involvement). I also worked as a lifeguard and taught swim lessons as a member of the pool staff (5 years), and I spent endless hours at the pool from 1990 until I moved out of the area in 2006. My family was involved in both the pool board and the swim team board. During that time, LRCSC and the Lake Ridge Lancers Swim Team always worked hand in hand with only minor bumps in the road. They were never separate entities.

This decision isn't about "starting a new chapter," as Mr. Buckley suggests. It is about displacing a community institution that has been around for 30+ years - long before Mr. Buckley's son was born or he became involved with the LRCSC pool board. It's based on the complaints of a minority. Does anyone else find it telling that the LRCSC Board didn't even notify its own member (one who had 6 kids on the team) that this was an item on the agenda?

Playing at the neighborhood pool, learning a new sport, and being part of a team: these are your best childhood memories. The Lake Ridge Lancers swim team has provided those memories for countless children and families every summer for the past 30+ years. These experiences change lives; Watch NBC & you'll learn that Olympians like Michael Phelps & Missy Franklin who both learned to swim at their community pools. It's a shame for the Lancer family that the LRCSC Board can't see the big picture.

Mr Buckley - Let me comment on your information you told this reporter. I know you have copies of the minutes over the last few years at least. Please check your facts. It is a FACT that the Lancers have paid all fees requested by the Board of Directors of the pool. IF you are talking about this year, your President made a mistake in telling the LRST that the non-member fees were part of the Fees requested by the LRCSC at the 40% higher rate then years past. After she found she made a mistake in representing your board she tried to tell the LRST the fees were not included. This agreement had been reached in Writing between the 2 Board Presidents. She could not recant because that would show Breach of contract by the law and she dd not want to get in the middle of a legal issue. If the members have an issue with anyone it should be their own Board of directors. Having the pool membership go down by 70 members is no where related to the Swim team being at the pool.. I know of no member that has quit the pool because there is a swim team there ( althrough I undestand there is a minority membership that complains) but I do know members, like myself, who did not join because of the treatment of the Swim team , illegal board make-up, and underhanded goings on of this board that currently makes decisions on behalf of the members.

“The bottom line is that the club needs more money to run, Buckley said.” Funny, because the other day there was what I believe to be a party going on. From what I’ve heard there was pizza, refreshments, a piñata filled with candy and change, and monetary awards for small competitions. Also, would someone contact a health inspector? The so called "smoking lounge" resides right by the childrens playground, I can only fathom how sanitary THAT is. There is also some sort of mold or mildew located on the deck, making it slippery and very hazardous to the patrons, guards, and swim team.

Good luck starting a new team......kids won't be happy competing with just themselves and good luck convincing Dennis to let you join PWSL.....have fun with that one!!

For over 5 years I have been a spectator and supporter of the Lancers. I am acquainted with many of the families that are part of the team and club. I do not have any children that participate for the Lancers, nor a member of LRCSC. However, I have become aware based upon my presence, knowledge, and witness of the unfortunate circumstances between the Lancers and LRCSC. This article proves the illogical and irrational arguments LRCSC formulates to remove the Lancers from their pool. I will illuminate the faulty logic LRCSC based upon the evidence provided from this article in hopes to demonstrate the goodwill and service the Lancers have provided to LRCSC.

1) It is evident that LRCSC rather conduct themselves in a manner of secrecy and alienate other LRCSC board members that are Lancers participants for the July 25 meeting. It is clear that the President of LRCSC knew the VP is in favor of the team and has children swimming for the Lancers would go so far to conduct a meeting without the vice president present. The president sought not to inform or invite the VP to the meeting and choose to state that since a quorum was present it was unnecessary to invite a fellow board member and VP. It is clear that the Board of Directors of LRCSC have already drawn the line for where they stand on this issue and are demonstrating an alienation of a fellow voted individual on the Board.

2) The issue surrounding the size of the team is an argument that holds no water (no pun intended). If the issue of the size of the team is the underlining issue evidence has demonstrated that the team has either decreased in size or remained steady hovering under the 200 person mark. Furthermore, the secretary of the LRCSC stated that he is in favor of establishing a new team in place of the Lancers. Unless LRCSC decides to cap the team at a certain amount they will continue to arrive at the issue of a team being present and its possibility of growth to occur. Furthermore, if LRCSC is worried about maintenance of the pool and costs then adding a new team will only compound the issue. It does not resolve it. Lastly, the president of LRCSC says it is an issue of size. However, the secretary of LRCSC says it is more about money than size. What gives? Their own board can’t come to a majority stance?

3) The argument of money is by far the most despicable, greedy, illogical, and irrational arguments to be formulated. It is a known fact that all members of the Lancers are required to pay an additional fee that goes directly to LRCSC. LRCSC stated that the club is losing money. The secretary is correct in that statement when you lose 70 paying members of the pool and each year the membership continues to decrease you will have lesser money than the previous year based on those figures. So, what does the secretary decide to construct? By hoping to establish a new team and on top of that establish a scholarship fund to fund club memberships. All of these cost money to enact and maintain. By all means if the secretary and LRCSC want their own swim team it is evident that they are willing to spend money to establish their own team. All in all, what is not captured in this article is the fact of greed. They want more money. In an economy that has been poor and with a decrease of pool members it is clear that LRCSC wants and needs money. So, what LRCSC won’t say publicly is that they believe the Lancers are a cash cow flowing with money. Every Lancer family and the board will inform you that is not the case. The Lancers only exist by the fees that are paid to keep the team afloat. They have worked hard to be respectful of the time of the property. Truly saddened that the LRCSC would seek to remove a team full of kids that enjoy swimming and teaches team work and hard work.

I would like to add on to Victoria's comment. If you are to have a "smoking lounge", it needs to be a private, secluded area AWAY from children. Ever heard of second hand smoke? Couldn't all that smoke be considered as child endangerment? What if a severly asthmatic child was playing there? It's a playground for God's sake! No-one should have to worry that their child might suffer from an asthma attack while playing on a playground. Also, what about the yellow jackets and the mold on the pool deck? Or the fact that our lifeguard shack has no proper first aid kit (ie. gloves, ice packs, etc.) And the steak and shrimp adult party the pool is hosting soon, where is that money coming from? I would like to know how they can afford that, but not a proper first aid kit or someone to clean/repair the deck. And Mr. Buckley, if you "have no issue with the swim team", then why did you vote to kick us out and start a new team? This all just seems like a bit of a personal problem to me.

I understand the pool is open for the members, but it is also open to us (Since we pay MORE than enough to use it). I have been a Lancer since I was ten years old. Now, a rising sophmore in high school, I still am swimming for the Lancers. This team has shaped my life in so many ways. I've met my very best friends on this team, learned how to swim (which is life-saving BTW), learned how to be a humble winner and a good loser, and most importantly, I've learned what it means to be a part of a team, a part of something bigger, and that has made a permenent, positive impact on my life.

One additional note Mr Buckley. You said "Now the other 200 and some members are inconvenienced by these meets, and it takes up a couple weekends during the summer, and if these other 60 families aren't paying, that fuels ill feeling" Makes it seem it is the entire weekend the swim team occupies the pool.

Why don't you tell the TRUTH. The only time the members do not get to use the pool that it would normally be open is 6 HOURS! over an entire summer. Let's do simple Math here. It is 385 dollars for a family to join the pool. divided by 90 days in the summer. That is $4.28 per day. pool is open 10 hrs a day. So that is .42 cents per hour a member is paying to use the pool. I am sure the Swim Team would have been willing to reimburse each member the $2.50 they spent on their membership but were not able to use the facilities. All you have to do is ask,

My family and I have been members of this pool for about 6 years now. Our daughters joined the Lancers swim team this year and it was a wonderful experience for both of them and our family had a great time participating/volunteering. All in all, it reinvigorated our interest in the pool and swimming. Needless to say, the recent decision by the pool board has left us very discouraged and we won't be returning. We're hopeful for the Lancers to have a new home so that we can enjoy the camaraderie of the team.

As a member of the pool, I have NEVER been informed of any decisions, votes, meetings, concerns, etc. They claim to post things on the bulletin board outside of the guard shack, but I think it is posted on a gum wrapper for secrecy. The pool members have NEVER seen a budget, not from seasons past, nor as a proposed budget for the following season.

Mr. Nauth states he had a quorum: Really? Name them. Joe was not informed. Was Vicki McKay present? She is a swim parent and a board member, AND the treasurer. I can't imagine she voted to get rid of the team that has loved her daughters for 2+ years.

There is nothing but secrecy, nepotism and crookedness, and we the members have allowed it to happen. No one has held the Board accountable. They are blatantly disregarding Robert's Rules of Order. This problem/issue/relationship can be fixed with the removal of egos. Simple things can be done to keep the non-swim team patrons informed of the 3 home meets and pre-meet set ups. Other HOA and community pools manage to get along. Creating a new team, as Mr. Buckley describes it, proves he simply doesn't like the Lancers.

It is time to go back to pre-school rules. Say please and thank you, listen to others when they speak, and be nice to everyone. It isn't all about money-- it is about a community pool that hosts a community team that has been kicked to the curb due to ego. Grow Up and let the kids swim.

My family has been a member of the LRCSC since 1996. Two of my three daughters swam for the Lancers from 1997 through 2009. The swim team was such a positive experience in their young lives. It amazes me how just a few members, that on a rare occasion have been inconvenienced because of the swim team, can cause such a drastic decision to occur that affects so many children in a negative way. Did they ever think about the kids?

Just to fill you in on Mr. Buckley's new team proposal. He wants to form a young, intramural type team. Members only, have small meets periodically amongst themselves. He is not proposing another PWC competitive swim team. THE most laughable part, however, is that he said, "The first step going forward with this issue is talking to the older kids who swam on the team and getting them to be involved," Uh, any ex-Lancers willing to step up to do this? Bwahahaha.

Oh, and also...after these young ones are taught to swim and the skills, they can branch out to other teams in the county.

While my family were members of the club, there was a core group of adult ladies that would consistently make my children feel uncomfortable while using the pool. Their behavior while sunning was rude and disrespectful as they would dangle their feet in the lap lane to be used by swimmers.

The requests and suggestions that I made to move the "smoking lounge" away from the kids playground fell upon deaf ears since at least two of the board members are smokers that always hung out or worked in Paul's Place. Some board members have always said ,"it's about the children, let's make this work", yet as Kathi Levine has stated, their actions speak much louder than their words. I don't want little kids to be near all that cigarette smoking, not only is it bad for their health, I don't want them thinking that it's ok to smoke since these adults that they may look up to are always smoking.

The pool board can attempt to earn my membership back by reversing their decision, making a legally binding long term, mutually beneficial contract with the swim team, start following the bylaws of the pool, having some of the board members that who, for the last 8 years, have been hell bent of getting rid of the swim team, and going back to having the president of the swim team back on the board of directors as it was many years ago.

The swim team in efforts to appease the LRCSC board have changed presidents several times in the 8 years we have been with the team, and the LRCSC board has continued to have several key people on the board who for whatever reason, hate the swim team. Maybe it's time they got rid of a few of their board members, and bring in people that want to work for the mutual satisfaction of both parties.

As Dave Ross stated, in all the years that I have worked the open house weekends helping make improvements to the pool and doing basic yard work and prepping the facilities for the upcoming swim season, I have NEVER, EVER seen anyone NOT associated with the swim team working. I have seen some board members there that sat around smoking while everyone else worked though. With all that said, I would still join so that my kids could have a summer home to enjoy and create happy memories.

There is only one thing that will solve this problem. The membership of the LRCSC need to throw out this Board and institute one that will follow the bylaws, will implement a true and transparent budget, and will try to grow the membership of the club in partnership with the Lancer swim team.

My family was a member of the swim club for two years. But after seeing their adveserial approach towards the swim team we refused to join the swim club again.

My prediction - without the support of the Lancers and the memberships that they bring to the club, the LRCSC will go bankrupt and close their doors in short order.

I agree with Laura. We are also members of the pool and have not been informed of any decisions, votes, meetings, and concerns regarding the Lancer Swim Club.

As to viewing a budget of any kind for the pool the only thing I was able to locate was from 2009, which you can view here http://www.charityblossom.org/nonprofit/lake-ridge-community-swim-club-inc-occoquan-va-22125-237172923/ If anyone has a more current financial record or know where one can be seen please let me know.
Thanks

I'm not sure anyone has mentioned that last year they sent out a survey that wasn't board approve and was 100% biased against the swim team. Funny thing is that it went out with other board approved stuff yet no one has the stones to take credit for it as far as I know.

Here is the actual filing for 2009 irs990.charityblossom.org/990EO/200912/237172923.pdf

File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View

This board has no sence of community. When I think of that pool I think Lancers! I always loved to see them at Divisionals when they came to our pool. The swimmers march was always filled with team spirt which says a lot about the team and community. I bet some of the swim team members are also life guards at the that pool. Now that they can't hire from that pool of employees they will to look somewhere else and may not find the quality of lifeguards that are picked from the swim team. Also having a swimmer compete with other swimmers helps them learn about teamwork and going the extra yard.

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS THAT I MIGHT GET UP FROM MY DESK AND DO A HAPPY DANCE!!! I'm soooooo glad the swim team is leaving our pool! Good riddance! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I PAY to attend and often cant get it because they are STILL there and leave a mess behind. No other pool in the area that hosts swim teams open to members LATE because of swim meets! This is the absolute best news I've had in a long time!

Pardon me, but the swim team cleans up after EVERY practice and meet. Often, it's cleaner when we leave than it is we arrive. And every local pool that hosts a swim team opens by 1 because of meets. I highly suggest you get your facts straight. It's not all about the members getting in their tanning time. This is about children getting a chance to compete and get excercise. Perhaps you should try and look at the big picture here, instead of being so ignorant.

Plus, it's only 3 Saturdays a month that the pool opens late. Big woop. I think that the members can live with the pool opening late only 3 times. They have the entire summer to use the pool. I don't think an hour is that big of a deal.

I am neither a Lancer or a swim club member. However, I am a Lake Ridge community member and a first year swim mom. I am both shocked and upset by this decision that affects so many people in our community. My daughter swims on another local team and in one short summer, it has made such a huge impact on her life, that I cannot imagine if we were put in the same situation. Swim teams help build a sense of community. It is sad to see that people with their own agenda would try to tear down this community in such a sneaky and underhanded manner. Losing a great swim team and bad publicity are only the beginning of your problems, as you are probably about to lose that 40% of your membership at the end of the summer. My prediction: the Lancers will be back next year and Mr. Buckley and the rest of the board will be looking for a new place to swim.

It's easy for you to say ONLY 3 Saturday's a month when I work a full time job and MORE than look forward to that relaxing time each and every weekend. It is not simply about my tan, it's about an opportunity to relax, mental therapy for my family! As for my getting my facts straight, maybe YOU should do the same! I guess you think I just came too early the day there were pancakes being COOKED outside the bathroom as we entered at 1:15?!? The water bottles, shoes, towels, etc. left behind? The non member team members lingering at tables we use as members and have to wait for the chairs to be replaced. Oh I'm so sorry that YOU don't see that as a swim meet parent or supporter. I do believe the kids need something to do and support the team meets, but would like them to be done by 11! We were told a few weeks ago that the meet was running late and they didn't know when we'd be able to enter. Yes, those are non-swim team facts.

Again, we were done by 1 that day you mentioned about the pancakes. There are plenty of chairs and tables to be used by all. And I DO have my facts straight. We all need our "relaxing time". I find it quite sad that I as 15 year old can look past all of this and see the big picture, while you as an adult cannot.

If I've been misinformed of the other pools not opening late, then I stand corrected on that and will accept my misunderstanding, I can only go on what I've been told. I still stand behind the mess and late openings. I will also feel the same way if a new team is being started and has the same issues. This is not about hating on the swim program. ANY program that supports young people doing something outside of video games and getting in trouble is a GREAT thing. I just honestly wish there was a better medium.

Wow! I was just called a liar. WOW! I now feel the swim team is more of a cult! I am NOT lying about what I see when I get there. Instead of name calling, maybe you should simply pay more attention. Too bad I didn't take pictures of the trash I've personally picked up. And you wonder why the ladies in the lap lane are annoyed. Pshft. Wow. I'm really taken back by the lack of seeing it from all sides on this thread. I've never once said I didn't believe in the team, just wished things were different for the members. Wow. I would NEVER and I mean absolutely NEVER make up lies about the condition of the pool when I get there after a meet. You are right, Ms. Brenda Turner, you do NOT know me and I do not appreciate you saying I made up stories. Since you check, double check, maybe you should add a triple check. I turned in flip-flops, a towel and goggles, and picked up two water bottles after the very last meet, guess I made that up too! WOWOWOWOW!!!

Section IX: Removal from Office

a. Any officer of the Club may be removed from office by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present or represented by a proxy at a Regular or Special Meeting of the Membership, but only after the opportunity has been given to him/her to be heard.

b. If an Officer fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board or otherwise fails to perform the duties devolving upon him/her as an Officer, his/her office may be declared vacant by a majority vote of the Board and the vacancy filled as herein provided.

From the clubs by laws

Section IV: Duties

The Board of Directors shall exercise general direction and control of the affairs of the Club. The authority of the Board of Directors shall extend to, but not be limited to, such actions as:

h. Preparing and submitting to each Annual Meeting of the Members a financial report of the affairs of the Club.

One more to poner for you members

Section VI: Audit/Review

The accounts of the Club shall be audited or reviewed annually by a competent independent auditor. The auditor or reviewer of the Treasurer's books shall not be a member of the Club.

We can agree to disagree on the time the pool was turned over. But it is sad that a select few are ruining this for all the kids.

I'm sure taking a beating today and that's fine, I put my feelings out there and that's what this is all about. However, I'd also like to say, I do not think booting the Lancers for another team is right. It's unfair and simply not right. If that is the true motivation behind this push, shame on whomever is behind it! I've seen comments about "health inspector" and other violations being tossed about, have these issues been addressed before the vote to no longer host the Lancers? If they have not, that makes those issues seem as under handed as the accusations about how the voting was done. I do not have any knowledge of those issues, I'm mearly asking before anyone trashes me and calls me names again.

We are both members of the swim team and the swim club.We were first attracted to the pool by the sense of community we saw in being involved with the swim team.My daughter has learnt many valuable lessons from the team and loves every minute of the swim season.We have been members of the club for years and are not faced with a very sad decision as to whether or not rejoin next year. As I told my daughter when explaining this to her,we basically have to feel sorry for those few individuals who have nothing better to do than sit and complain.

Lauren Donohoe

11:15 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

2 water bottles??? I sincerely apologize for your inconvenience. After every swim meet I have stayed until the pool looked nicer than before. Again, sorry that you had to pick up those water bottles. I must have missed them when I made my last sweep of the deck before leaving.
Also, I have been a pool member for 14 years. I suggest searching for a new pool to join because Lake Ridge will surely close its doors for good soon without a swim team to bring in YOUNGER members.

It's two everytime, it's annoying, but I do it. Guess you didn't see the post about towels, shorts, shoes, goggles, but that's ok. Again, I just pick it up. Bottom line is there are two sides to this. You have all beaten me down that I just don't care at this point. There is a REFUSAL to see the other side. Oh well, that's life I guess.

Ms./Mrs. Kimberly Bowyer, you seem upset by being called a liar. I would like to point out that your first statement contradicts a more recent one. "Again, I do not wish the team gone, just wish a few things were different." Your first comment stated, and I quote, "I'm soooooo glad the swim team is leaving our pool! Good riddance! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" If that doesn't say you want the team gone then I don't know what does.

Kimberly B. You are my hero!! I have no affiliation with either your pool nor your swim team, but as a member of this community, I feel a need to reply. It doesn't matter if you pick up 1 cup or 10 cups, or open 1 minute late- it's a violation. I commend you as a full time working mom wanting to spend every Saturday at the pool with your kids. While the benefits of the swim team are obvious, it's also obvious that there are bigger issues at hand. I find the comments of both adults and 15 year olds to be rude and disrespectful. Stick to your guns Kimberly!! You're welcome at my pool anytime!

Ms. Levine, yep, that's me. Small minded, nothing to do with my time, liar, blah. I've heard it all, if you continue to read, you'll see I've taken a beat down for stating my feelings and opinions. I've taken all the insults, all the non-team members are wrong whippings all day, I'm done. You are all right and we have no right to feel the way we do. Hail to the swim team that makes the world go round. None of the swim team writers have even once said they see the other side. Not once. Makes me sad that this story only has one side. I do give a big thank you to the one person that did see both sides, she has nothing to do with the pool either way so please don't attack her for backing the small minded member. If all the awful things you all are saying about the board and the others that run the pool are true, then they should be accountable. I won’t get any credit for saying that either, I'm just a swim team hater. I don't have a 40 year history there and have only heard such wonderful things about Paul and his pool dealings, this is fist I've ever heard of wrong doings. All I've spoken of are the things that I've seen and that I feel. I took my lashings and I stood down when I was wrong.

They make us comb the grass for any scrap of trash after the meet. It really is no fun but we do it anyways. We are always hustling to get the pool in condition for the 1pm open on Saturdays (which is unavoidable for a swim team because of the length of meets).

However, we show up to practice in the morning and the pool deck is dangerously slippery from algae, the bathrooms are often not clean, and there pool already has trash on the deck. It's not our responsibility to keep the pool clean 100% of the time, it's just our responsibility to clean up after ourselves, which we do. Also, we'll see what happens next year when swim team families start leaving the pool in droves.

Thank you so much Ms. Levine for stating the REAL issue here and that's the political WAR that apparently has gone on between YOUR beloved team and the management of the pool. Which really has absolutely NOTHING to do with the general member. I'm also so sorry you're so insulted by my enjoying the pool. I'm sure you have your thing you do to relax and would be taken back if that was in some way pushed around. You have absolutely NO clue how much I need that time, as you have absolutely NO clue what goes on in my life day to day. Yes, maybe I should have been thankful that the pancakes were still going on 15 minutes after opening. Hurray for being late and teaching your beloved team the importance of being on time. Especially in a sport where 100ths of a second count.

Ms. Levine, I will admit I didn't know the "talks" were going on between the team and the pool. No one has ever said there were things other than the Team feels it's their pool. I'm truly sorry it has all came down to this. (No dripping sarcasim.) I really am. I'm not backing down from my stance on liking to be in at 11 and not picking up trash, but it does seem there could have been a better option. As a mom with a child that was an avid sports player, it is sad.

The Dude: There most certainly was a six or eight foot table set up outside the ladies locker room exit with a lady cooking pancakes. It was startling as we walked out of the locker room. There were many comments that day about it being there and if it was a good idea to cook outside of a bathroom and if the extension cords were a good idea. The meet was definitely later than 1 that day, the team was cooking, eating and people were trying to get the chairs and such back in place. I will admit, that was the worst I remember it being.

The meets have been a harder challenge this year with the schedule not being posted on the website, I understand that's not your fault, but there is nothing like packing up your stuff to get there and hear the meet is going on and they don't know when it will finish.

The Dude

1:13 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012

nobody cooked any pancakes outside the bathroom what are you talking about? All the food prep stuff is near the pavilion.

Also, we couldn't host any meets (or be in the league at all) if we can't have the pool till 1. That's just how long the meets take. It's been that way for decades and you had to have known that when you paid for your membership this year right?

Ms. Bowyer: You are correct. After time trials, there was a pancake breakfast. You are correct. The table was set up right outside of the ladies locker room. You are correct. It probably was shocking to find that when you walked out of the locker room.
However, it was the day of Time Trials, which means we were the only team there, and we were done SWIMMING at 10:30, but had not exited the pool by 11:00. You had plenty of chairs, tables and water in the pool at your disposal. I do not mean that to sound sarcastic but the only thing that displaced you that day was the table with pancakes.

I see your side of a few issues, but blame it on the way the pool is run. Each year, we the members simply send in our checks. We are not informed of the happenings of the coming season by the Board. They are supposed to send us a Splash newsletter twice a year. Perhaps a remedy to some of this is:

1. Better communication with patrons about the Friday nights that set up will take place
2. LOTS of communication BEFORE the Saturday a meet takes place, & reminders that the pool will open at 1:00
3. A NEW BOARD that can remove their egos & work with both patrons and the team.

The faults on both sides are not to be taken out on children that range in age from 5-18. They are children. They want to be part of a team, of a group, of a community. We should all work together. If there is a ball, goggles or a water bottle, why not just pick it up and then relax?

My sarcasim is vile? And loathing of my right to not only have, but voice my opinoin is welcome? Rather you really see it or not, that is exactly how you come across. I quote "...you would know that there is NO possible way to predict when you can be finished." Then how do others say they are always done on time? It sure doesn't come seem that the team or the pool BOD thinks of the general member. I'll totally agree with you on that! See, we can agree after some talking, there can be an agreement.

Dylan Espinosa: I couldn't find your response on the thread, just the email I received, I feel this is soooo much information. No, the team does not deserve to lose because of the pancakes. It was just a stated issue.

Maybe a mediator should have been brought in before it got to this drastic step. Both sides should have given a little and worked it out (witlh cool heads I might add). By losing the swim team, we've lost a major attraction/selling point in regard to membership at LRCSW. I presently work for a prestigious country club -- high end all the way. They know, without a doubt, that their swim team is an asset to the club. And yes, on occasion, the pool will open late to the general membership because of a meet. It's all accepted and part of the deal. This decision was such a poor business choice on behalf of the board. They did not have the whole of the communitiy's interests at heart -- just a few squeaky wheels. It's so sad, unfortunate, and short sighted.

As a former Lancer swim team president for four years and the president of LRCSC for one year I would like to add a comment. We joined the pool in 1990 and immediately signed my daughter up for swim team. Those were wonderful summers,
spent at the pool meeting new friends and sharing a sense of community. Volunteering for the team was fun and introduced me to some great people. Even back then there were some bad feelings towards swim team and as team president I worked hard to understand why and if there was anything I could do to make the situation better. My experience has been that one or two persistent club members would complain and the club board would create a bigger problem than existed. As Swim team president I had a position on the LRCSC board and full voting rights. I attended meetings monthly and was fully aware ot the club's financial standing. I was recruited by club board members to run for President once I decided to leave the Lancers board in 2000. My goal was to come up with a 10 year plan to update the facility and increase membership. Unfortunately most of the other board members had their own agendas, and were not willing to set long term goals for the club. Realizing that I was being bad mouthed behind my back, the negativity forced me to quit the board after one year and not renew my LRCSC membership. Declining membership has been an issue for years, one the board has failed to address. The swim team has always been the club's biggest asset.

JoAnn, you were the best! I remember your hard work with both the team and the club. Those were fun years -- lots of community spirit and fun stuff for the kids. There was always something fun happening at the pool. My girls benefited so much from your hard work, JoAnn. Thank you. Community pools such as LRCSC always have, and always will be, about the the kids. They've just thrown away their most valuable asset and they don't even realize it. I really worry about the pool at the end of the street.

I just wanted to add that at the end of all of our home meets, our key Lancer parent volunteers beg us to all pitch in and leave the pool area in good condition for the members. If occasionally trash and swimmers' belongings were missed, it was accidental and most certainly not out of lack of respect for the pool members. I had no idea there was such controversy between the club and the team, even though my family has been a member of both. When we joined LRSC, I remember being told that the pool would open late on 3 Sarurdays each summer due to swim meets. We didn't mind, so we joined anyway. Have they stopped telling potential members that ahead of time?

Does anyone know how to reach members of the US Olympic swim team? I bet they'd love to try to think of a way to resolve this. I've heard a few of them talk about their involvement in local swim clubs, etc. Might be a long shot but you never know!

@ everyone: I e-mailed all of the Board members after this decision was made. I have so far received responses back from two acknowledging my e-mail. Both were civil. One of those two indicated that they - like Mr. Mazzoccoli - were also unaware of the "planned" July 25 vote on this matter. That member had to leave the meeting early and was unaware of the decision until learning it at the same time the team did. Therefore, there were at least 2 board members who did not participate and had no knowledge of it.

There is apparently going to be an "emergency" meeting at the pool on August 6 at 7pm to discuss this issue. I encourage everyone, on both sides, to attend and voice their opinion civilly. I know it is an emotional issue; I too am saddened for the kids that won't have the same great memories at that pool that I do. However, the attacks by both sides are unproductive and set a poor example for all of the children who use the pool (swim team or non-swim team).

I also encourage everyone to get to that end-of-season meeting and exercise your right as a club member to vote for a new Board that can adequately address all of the issues the club faces (whether or not the Lancers return) without nonsense like this ever happening again.

Kimberly,
As the Lancer Swim Team Vice President, I sincerely apologize for any inconveniences that the swim team may have caused you, as that was certainly not our intention.

As the Lancer swim team board seeks resolution to this issue, I am asking all Lancer swimmers, swimmer parents, and anyone associated with the team to refrain from negative commentary in this forum.

Please remember that the Lancers have long been recognized for the professional manner in which we conduct ourselves both in and out of the pool.

As a Pool member and non-team parent, I am shocked and sad to see the Lancers go. I admit to not attending the pool after every meet, but was amazed at how long the parents stay to check on all the clean up after the meets we arrived after. I am mostly sad to see that this was done without the participation of the full board or of the pool membership- while some may have had complaints, I doubt there would have been a majority of the membership to vote out the team. Even as a non-team parent, I was proud to see that the Lancers had won the championship as I know many of the kids who have participated. I have long felt that there needed to be much better communication, but as a busy parent who has not volunteered for the board, I have been reticent to complain. I have not read all of the comments, but please don't take out all of your anger on Ms. Boyer- she is just expressing her opinions (which probably haven't been listened to before). I do not know of any members who have been plotting to remove the team, so I think this is the act of a very small minority (Ms. Boyer states that she does not really want to see the team go). Maybe it is time to show up Monday night and finally express my opinions. I hope to see many of us there as this cannot have been a popular decision.

Crap, that posted as my husband!! Dang it!

I would like to apologize for my knee jerk reaction this morning, it was inappropriate and unprofessional, but when I see such glee over something that hurts my kids....I see red. These kids are passionate about their fun and relaxing time they have swimming summer swim team. As are their parents who find it relaxing to be at a swim meet on a Saturday morning, escaping from the 40 + hour work week, and in my case it is a stressful on a mental and physical level. That is my relaxing period! Because when I go home from a meet I am then swamped with all of the chores and errands. We each have our own ways of relaxing and I love trying new ways. I love hiking, yoga, running, doing a puzzle, reading a book, but for 7 weeks out of the year I love spending Saturday morning watching my kids have fun, learn, excel (each in their own way)....the smiles on my kids faces when they drop time, win a heat, or accomplish a goal makes me forget about the stress from the week. I hope their is a way to compromise....40 yrs is a long relationship to divorce like we are now! Again I would like to apologize for my knee jerk reaction. I would love to invite Kim to get to know some of the swim team Moms. We actually are very nice and love to have fun! (and most of us don't bite...unless we are protecting our kids lol)

Because in all actuality I love that pool too!

I am concerned by the boards actions the last couple of years. Serious lack of communication--no newsletters the last 2 years, dates and information of upcoming events, who's on the nominating committee, annual budget and audit results. Troubling rumors of financial dealings and board politics. I've asked about the snack bar finances and how it is run. No answers there. Problems with pool management company and/or life guards. Fight between some board members and the swim team has escalated over the years. I only see a financial downside to not hosting the Lancers. There members of the team that are not swim club members and will never join but you are definitely not going to induce them to join now by not hosting their team. We will lose some swim club membership because they joined LRCSC because of the competitive swim team and will follow the team or join another team--the next potential "Micheal Phelps" won't be swimming at LRCSC. The pool has lost over 25% of its membership the last 2 years, surely the board can't think the club survive with even fewer members. I don't envision people flocking to join because we don't host a competitive swim team. Sure some people are not happy about losing 2 hours of swim time on 3 Saturdays and no guarantee the gates will be always be promptly opened at 1pm with absolutely no signs of the previous 5 hour occupancy of a sporting event but I personally think it is worth it for all the benefits hosting the Lancers gives the club.

Last comment. Tensions are high. The surprise news dealt to the swim team on Monday is still a gaping, raw wound to all of us. We have been an entity for forty years and as of now we have no place to go. It hurts to feel betrayed like this. That's where the anger and knee jerk reactions are coming from. Hurt.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall

Guest 123, I didn't know there were such volunteer-setup-cleanup-days. I would have devoted some time, yes, I do volunteer in other areas so that wouldn't be something I'd turn down, especially for something I love so much. As for the clean up, I'm just not the type to point out to someone they "missed a spot" and stand over them while taking care of it. I just do it. I cant speak for other members, I make a special point to clean up all the mess my family and guests make. I would not want someone else to do it. As for the smoking, that is just terrible that anyone has to pick up butts from others. It's terrible and disgusting. Makes me frustrated that you have done it. I'm not a smoker, but can assure you if I were, those would not be mine. I also want to say again, I do not believe the issues are strong enough to cut the team. Yes, my first reaction was quick based on my excitement and I should have thought it out more, I've admitted as much-more than once, so I'm not sure how else I can say it. Honestly, I just want to go to the pool as much as possible with the limited time I have and not have to pick up trash before hand. Trash that belongs to ANYONE, member, swim team, visitor, anyone.

Dougie "Ribbonbish" Jaeger: I would love to attend one of your meets. Rather your at LRCSC or elsewhere. I feel I owe it to the team to understand more about how things are done on your end. My son played many sports while growing up, swimming was probably one of the few he didn't do. I'm not happy to hear your team has to clean before they meet, anymore than I am about cleaning before I relax. I know my reason for going to the pool seems small to you, but it is as important to me as your team is to you. I'm open and willing to learn about your team, your members and processes as possible. I do not want kids to suffer. Sports were so extremely important to my son and I as he grew up. I feel your pain, rather it has been clear or not during this debate, I honestly do. As Ms. Levine said, all is out of hurt, rather we totally understand each other or not, we all want a happy ending for everyone. Again, I would love to see and learn more about your team. I've not been here for 20 or more years, only four and my son didn't participate on the team at all, so I'm only going by what I've seen and heard. I am completely open to the Lancer experience.

Glad to see the discussions turning to an understanding tone... but what was not brought out here in all the postings are some important factors.
First Item… I am sure there are other Pools in the Community that would probably love to take this team, and of course money from their members.

The second item is, Community. Where is it... Well I see the Lancer Team as a members and representatives of the Community. It definitely is in the Pool’s name, Lake Ridge COMMUNITY Swim Club, but it does not seem to have been in the BOD’s minds when they made their decision to not allow the Lancer Team to come back for 2013. Is this Pool owned/operated/dues paid by a few members or by many? So did the BOD really reflect the true representation of the Pool’s Full Time\Everyday membership or from some squeaky wheels when they made their decision? If they did go down the squeaky wheel path.. Then are we going down the same path portrayed in a movie called “FootLoose”. Hmm… the community leaders in that movie… seemed to have been stuck in their ways only to change their minds after they really heard from their Community at large, in a very defiant way… Is that what it is going to take for this group of kids, parents and friends to do to in order for LRCSC listen to them? I am sure there could be some protests, picket lines setup and other publicizing of this issue to other Lake Ridge Community members which could /would lower the pools membership for 2013 and years beyond. People do have choices of where and how to spend their money in their Community.

Third item.. Let’s put some perspective here, from what has been mentioned here time and time again today.. the Lancers DO pay their way to the LRCSC every season by fees which are charged to Swim Team Members and Families . So to me, there is not a free ride, or loss of revenue here as many of the full paying members may seem to think or portray… In my opinion, The Lancer Swim Team as a whole are invited and invested “Members” as well. They DO make payments to the LRCSC to utilize the pool during their pre-arraigned contracted time frames. Certainly The Lancer Team has limited benefits of practice time and meets and they should be following the same rules as every Full Time/Every day Members do of the LRCSC when it comes to using the pool and facility. It is a business transaction between the LRCSC and the Lancer Team.

The noted expectation from the everyday\full time members, such as some are posting here, seems to be set very high, maybe too high. What is reasonable to one may not be to another? Are the parents \team members giving a reasonable effort to protect the pool deck, surrounding facilities and pick up their or others trash should be the gauge of judgment. I am sure it could be a whole lot worse for the Full Time\Every Day membership if the Lancer Swim Club did nothing before they left for the day. It sounds like they are doing something, albeit… maybe it’s not perfect or to up to all’s expectations, but they are giving an effort. It certainly could be a whole lot worse.
Where children and adults gather… there will always be issues of cleanliness from the showers to the pool deck no matter if they are on the Lancer Swim Team, a private party or the everyday membership as a whole. I am sure there are some Full Time\everyday members that don’t follow the rules during the business hours too. Do we go after their memberships if they leave their towels, goggle or plastic bottles around more than 1, 2 or 3 times in a season? If this is the case, then we should take COMMUNITY out of the name of the pool, because it is not. Maybe call it “Lake Ridge Exclusive Swim Club” and charge double the fees, see how many members sign up in 2013 in this economy.

Bottom Line…

FOR LANCER SWIM TEAM
-Was a limited member of the Lake Ridge Community Swim Club for 2012, by contract.
-Could do a better job of cleanup after Swim meets/ practice - What are reasonable expectations?
-Could work to change their Swim Meets\ and Practices to meet the LRCSC needs. Limit ages, heats of one day or break it up over multiple days to meet LRCSC needs.
-LRCSC needs to communicate more of what their needs\expectations are.
-Continued Sense of Community in regards to the LRCSC
-There are other pools out there to look at…

FOR LRCSC
-You are running a business and renting out space for specified periods of time. Your other full time\everyday members need to understand that as well as the Lancer Swim Team.
-Change moral fortitude of the business you are running… or remove COMMUNITY from name!
-Can re-negotiate the contract with the Swim Team for 2013… impose penalty fees, contract out cleaners after the swim meets and practices. Spell out reasonable expectations.
-Can communicate to All Members of the Pool about upcoming events, ie swim meets, practices, private parties better.
-Educate – Educate and Educate Membership/Swim Team/Life Guards
-Loss of revenue from the swim team… how many members does it take away from LRCSC on top of the Team’s payment?
If you do not want the Swim Team at your facility… don’t beat around the bush… get to the point. Something quantitative would be helpful in the transition such as if the majority of the membership has negative issues with having a swim team; remove the Lancers and don’t look back. You have done your due diligence and represented the people of the Community and not dictated to them.

@ everyone: I got my third response from the Board today - Mr. Buckley. Thought I would share.
----
Amy:
The decision was to no longer host the Lancers Swim team team. Nobody ever said "that there was not going to be a swim team or the relationship between the swim team and the LRCSC couldn't become more mutually united. I have a six year old son and a five month old daughter, who I like to swim for the Lancers or the new team very much. Dwindling membership and an aging pool infrastructure are two of the major reasons that led to the Board's decision. If you join the pool, you have a voice in the solution.
----

This response seems pretty clear that it's not a size/cost issue; it's a LANCERS issue.

Members: since I don't have a "voice" since I'm not joining the pool after this mess, please go on August 6 and share my "voice" for me!

I truly wish the pool had LOCAL life guards that speak and clearly understand English. I remember when I first joined, there were local young adults doing that job, where did they go? They would speak to the long time members and it gave the feeling of community and it was really nice. The feeling you are all speaking of as being long time memebers of the pool or the Lancers.

Doug Jaeger: I have updated my first post. Thanks for the idea. I also hope to be invited to at least one meet for the Lancers, no matter where they are. I've thought a lot about this since yesterday and remember that "family" type of team spirit from when my son was growing up. I even realized I miss it some. Maybe not all the juggling and running around as much, I did it for 14 years, I'm enjoying the time off at this point. :) I truly wish the team the best of luck and do hope they stay at the pool under a much better tone. I'd rather have your group as another one that we know nothing about.

Oh, this is soooo frustrating. And, I had to learn about it from Facebook friends...even more frustrating! Composing my letter to the board members as I type. Never sent the angry one I created last year...this one will get sent...and we're not even Swim Team members anymore and it angers me! Where do I get one of those "regal memberships" anyway????

Oh yeah...and on the communication issue...if you go to the website the "latest BoD report" is from May 2009!!!! Extra nice

What I want to see happen is for the pool members to gather as much factual information as possible, make an opinion and if need be make notes so that if and when you have the opportunity to voice your opinion you can do so clearly and politely. Negative attacks to individuals won't help make your case, but it will cause open dialogue to shut down.

The swim team is best served if it has the opportunity to stay at LRCSC and that is a fact. The LRCSC is best served if it has the swim team has the opportunity to stay there. That too is a fact.

If allowed the opportunity to stay at LRCSC, rest assured I will work as has as possible to make sure any negative feelings are heard and addressed so that the team and pool not only survive but thrive.

I urge all parties involved to keep their tone civil and be open minded to each others ideas and suggestions.

Kimberly, I have non swim team friends at other local pools and they too are sometimes frustrated by the pool use of the swim team. If we had thought about it, the swim team would have worked harder in informing the pool members of upcoming swim meets and the time that it would take up. That will be something I will address next season if we are allowed/invited to stay.

I agree that there the membership needs more information about how the board arrived at this decision. Hard financial numbers on the minimum costs just to keep the pool open, costs of wear and tear on facility for hosting a swim meet and what does a swim team pay to use facility. How does the size of the team affect pool costs? If the Lancers are to big to host, what size of a team is acceptable? Will a team limited to club members only be any more financially feasible next year given the current level of membership?
I personally think the whole swim team issue is smoke and mirrors to draw attention away from the issue of declining membership and the money needed to open the gates at all. Lack of overall membership, not just swim team and its membership makeup, is the real issue.

If the Lancers were to limit the team to members only there would be no team. There aren't enough kids to facilitate filling out a team and not enough volunteers to run meet. All jobs at the meet are filled on a volunteer basis. 66 jobs covering three shifts. 42 families doesn't come near the coverage needed. Please also keep in mind that many of our non member families have been with us for years and some even multi generational.

Mr. Levine, forgive my lack of a better phrase but, that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard!!! BRING BACK THE LOCAL KIDS!

No problem. The reasons were given that if the patrons know the guards the guards would let them get away with no following rules and or guards may be distracted by friends talking to them.

So this little blurb is on the LRCSC site. It was a very nice letter about Paul's Party which the pool sponsored ( through membership dollars) and a congrats to the swim team for their achievements.

It said this "The Lancers Swim Team elected to be independent of the LRCSC a few years back and we have been the "host pool"since that time. The team has performed well, proudly boasting the championship earlier this month. We wish them well and continued success in their competitive endeavors. "

I thought the LRCSC asked the swim club to be independent because they could not manage the team, NOT that the team elected to become a separate entity. Can anyone tell me which is true? It happened before I was there.

If I remember correctly, we were pushed/encouraged to become a separate entity. But what difference would being a separate to being sponsored? Nothing financially changed except we got our own tax exempt number. I believe that might be an attempt to save face to the members. There are other reason that the team went through with it too, but it is negative and I will not share it.

Kim, The lifeguards are provided by the Pool company the board chooses. 5 years ago the pool was managed by Virginia pools, which most other pools around here use. They hire mostly local kids and really knew how to manage the aging pumps at the pool. When the pool switched to using a "lower-rate" Pool Management company, their issues with the lifeguards, pump, cleanliness, and other stuff. My Dad taught me, you get what you pay for......
Now I am going to stop worrying about this anymore. Whatever will be, will be. I am going to shop with my kids, watch the Olympics with my Daughter (watching Kaite Ledecky whom she has swam against in year round swimming and watch my daughter's event 200 back) I know the Lancers will go on, we are a strong family/team. So Lancers stay strong and positive, because our leaders are the best! Stay tuned for news!!

Latest update that Patch has written on the Lake Ridge Lancers story: http://woodbridge-va.patch.com/articles/lancers-may-stay-at-longtime-home

Okay, look everyone. you all don't knw what your talking about. I know the board personally, and you all are nothing but a punch of gossips! You should be ashamed of yourselves. And talking about Paul that way, shame on you, all of you. You all have nothing better to do then gossip about an old man who did nothing but love eveyone at the pool? Well then you all have the problem.
Oh, and is anyone gonna mention how the swin team didn't pay their bills on time? Yea, In July they were supposed to pay there bill of $900+ on July 1st, but they payed some around $200 on July 16th. Late, and the wrong about. How can they not have the full amount, they pay for NOTHING! Don't talk about things you don't know.

That bill included charges for life guard fees for life guard time that hadn't been used yet. The pool board decided to take $500 and wait for the actual life guard usage to be paid the rest.

I was not talking about Paul that way. I was talking about the board spending money on parties when they say they have no money. Oh and by the way i have no issues telling people how i feel about things without hiding behind pseudonyms. I respect folks more if they take accountability for what they say and do even if i dont agree with them

LakeRidge Pool Member, the bottom line is that losing the swim team is bad for the club. It's also bad for the swim team. We are trying very hard to let go of the past and start new so that we can all have a solid working relationship.I look forward to seeing you at the meeting so that we can all move in the right direction.

Enjoy your weekend, I'll be joining the pool so that our family once again has a voice and also to prove to the pool board that I'm serious about wanting the fences to be mended.

You swim people should get your own pool in your backyard so your little booger eating kids can swim. SO many kids is the reason why I have my own...before any of the swimming nazi mother's talk I do have a child and an empty nester like Kimberly.. YAY for Kimberly for speaking her view and to the parents of the swim team "when your kids leave for college lets see what your view will be then as an empty nester".

Hopefully "ThisisAmerica" doesn't represent the pool board. Their language and comments towards my kids & other members kids is appalling. Pool members who have kids that are not on the swim team should be as upset and offended as I am.

I guess that after calling parents Nazi & our kids booger eaters, they are Goo ashamed to use their real name.

I'll be at the meeting tonight wearing khaki shorts and a blue button down shirt, I have a shaved head and red facial hair so please feel free to introduce yourself. Let's talk this out like civil adults, I promise not to stoop to the level you have so eloquently displayed.

Can anyone give us an update about last night's meeting?

Amy McMullen: I was at the meeting last night and I left with the feeling both sides listened and are very open and willing to work this out for the good of the pool members as well as the team. Stephanie did an awesome job! Woohoo to her. As did everyone else, but she organized it and she really did a terrific job. Thanks to her.

An update on last night's meeting: http://woodbridge-va.patch.com/articles/lake-ridge-lancers-negotiate-return-with-swim-club